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Zaftig Dating Agency #23

Learning the Ropes

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Gage: After retiring from the Navy, all I want is a quiet life with no surprises. But when a clumsy (and gorgeous) waitress literally lands in my lap, I realize a little chaos might be just what I need.

Zara: If I'm going to make a fool out of myself, does it have to be in front of the hottest guy I've ever seen? Maybe I can hide in the kitchen. For the rest of my life.

Sometimes fate needs a little help. Welcome to the files of the Zaftig Dating Agency, where alpha men find the curvy women of their dreams!
Each book in the series is a complete, standalone story.

This is a sweet but sexy short story romance, complete with insta-love and a guaranteed happily-ever-after. If you’re looking for an escape from everyday life with an alpha older man and the curvy BBW younger woman that he loves, this is the book for you!

43 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 10, 2020

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About the author

Jane Fox

158 books187 followers
Jane Fox is a romance author and librarian. She grew up sneaking romance novels, and now she's a USA Today bestselling author herself. Her books focus on curvy women who meet the older men of their dreams.

When she's not writing or organizing the library shelves, she's probably sipping a latte and plotting her next steamy tale. So if you're ready for a short, fun romance, grab one of Jane's books and prepare to fall in love.

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5 stars
138 (61%)
4 stars
53 (23%)
3 stars
30 (13%)
2 stars
2 (<1%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
Profile Image for c. (ocean of sunflowers).
158 reviews37 followers
June 24, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars.
zara zaftig and gage henderson's story.
gage, 38, is an aviation project manager and a retired navy seal. he was referred by his mother, sheila ad would like her son to "find a nice girl to settle down with," but she says he spends long hours at his job and has not, to her knowledge, gone on any dates. he spent many years in the navy, several of those as a navy seal. most of his missions were classified, and gage refuses to talk about them, even to sheila.
while zara, 25, is a waitress at the salty crab seafood restaurant. she's mona zaftig's niece and wanted zara to join her agency. zara has an mfa in creative writing, and she's been trying to write a novel for several years. she gets one to two chapters in and then abandons it. mona suspects that she lacks the confidence she needs to finish a book.

quotes:
'"are you really okay?" he says. "i didn't bruise you when i grabbed your wrist, did i?" he takes my hand in his and traces the area where he'd caught me.
it's such an intimate thing for him to fo that i'm suddenly weak.""


...

"if there's one thing i learned in my time in the military, it's that anything can be taken away at any time. let's not worry about what other people will think. just for tonight, let's live in the moment."

...

"so what do you do whne you're not falling into strange men's laps?" he asks with a smile.
"believe it or not, i don't make a habit of that."
"good," he growls, "because i'm the jealous type."


...

"i'm a writer. sort of."
"sort of?" he raises an eyebrow.
"i'm still waiting for my muse. i have a lot of starts, but i haven't been able to finish any of them."
"any particular reason?"
"it's hard to write about something you haven't experience. and sometimes it feels like i haven't experienced much.
there's a glint of humor in his eyes. "i'm sure i can come up with a few new experiences for you."
"you're incorrigible," i say.
he pulls me towards him again. at this rate, we'll never make it to the park. i find that i don't care where we are, as long as we're together.


...

"am i okay?" she asks softly.
"you're everything i've ever wanted." i tell her.

...

"so you light the spark, but the couple's still responsible for fanning the flames,"
...

"...and you're reallu not mad at her for setting us up?"
he chuckles. "honestly, i'm relieved to know what ma was up to that day. it's been driving me nuts for close to a year now. but no, i'm not mad. how can i be? i met the woman of my dreams."
"and i met the man of mine."
11.9k reviews49 followers
July 12, 2020
Landing in the lap of love

This time Mona Zaftig is making a match that is closer to home. This story is about Gage Henderson and Zara Zaftig.
Gage is thirty-eight years old, a retired Navy SEAL and is currently working as an Aviation Project Manager. His mother, Sheila, wants to see him settled down with a nice girl and giving her more grandchildren. Instead he seems to have gone from being wed to the military to being wed to his job.
Zara is twenty-five years old and works as a waitress at the Salty Crab seafood restaurant. What she really wants to do is be an author but she gets a few chapters into a new story and then abandons it. She is also Mona's niece.
With Sheila's help Mona arranges for he to receive a gift certificate to the Salty Crab and then Sheila corrals her herd of children and grandkids into a family dinner. Gage knows that his mother is up to something but he cannot figure out what, especially when she makes her change into nicer clothes to go to the restaurant. When the family is all seated they meet their waitress, Zara, who Gage is immediately attracted to in a very big way. When Zara brings the drinks to the table it is like a Charlie Chaplin stunt as she bumps the serving tray which tips and while she scrambles to catch things instead loses her footing so Gage grabs her by the wrist only to have to fall literally into his lap.............well Hello there big boy!!! Luckily the rest of the dinner has no more accidents and Gage asks her out for a drink after she gets off work that night. When Gage picks Zara up at the restaurant he offers her a choice of where to go and she picks a walk in the park since he has a flask and it is a nice evening. It seems Mona has once again worked her magic and made the introductions for a wonderful new match.
But Mona also has an ulterior motive which is only revealed at the end, as she wants Zara to come work with her making matches and helping people write their own best love story.
Learning the Ropes is the twenty-third book in the Zaftig Dating Agency and is another fantastic and charming, along with sexy short story.
Profile Image for Julianne Macneil.
3,702 reviews28 followers
July 16, 2020
i read this book as part of an arc program. This is the 23rd book in the Zaftig Dating Agency series. In this book, Mona wants to expand her dating agency and decides to match her niece in hopes of showing her how matches are made and getting to work with her. Her niece Zara is a waitress and she matches her with Gage, a recently retired Navy man. Gage is now working as an Aviation Project Manager and when his mother tells him he has to attend a family dinner at a local restaurant, he knows he has to go, even if she is hiding the real reason for the dinner. She told him it was to celebrate his retirement from the navy. Zara is their waitress and when she stumbles, she falls right into Gage's lap. Gage would like to keep her there, but she manages to make it through their dinner without any more embarrassing moments. Gage asks Zara to meet him later for a drink and she agrees. They have an instant attraction and great chemistry. I love this book. This was another great one in this series. I love the instant love stories. I think Gage and Zara were great together. I love how Mona worked her magic again.
715 reviews5 followers
July 9, 2020
Mona Zaftig runs an agency where people send a name of someone close to them for Mona to find a match for them. Gage, 38, is a former Navy Seal who now works in the aviation industry and his mother sent in his name for a match. Zara, 25, is Mona’s niece who is a waitress and also writes. Zara meets Gage while she’s waitressing when she stumbles and knocks over a tray of wine bottles and glasses next to him and she lands in his lap. Will the instant attraction they both feel lead to love and a HEA? Will Zara be upset when she learns her aunt set up their meeting and now wants her to work at the Agency?

I give this book 4.5 stars. I thoroughly enjoyed this short instalove story. It is fun to see the characters interact and I loved the epilogue.
I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving my review
Profile Image for Terri Pietrowski.
426 reviews5 followers
July 11, 2020
This is a short story by Jane Fox,and it features that famous matchmaker Mona Zaftig. Gage and Zara are the next two lonely souls that Mona will match up for life, but this match is different it's Mona family.
Zara is Mona niece and she wants Zara to work for the agency and since Zara is Mona mini me, she wants Zara to join her as a matchmaker, but first Mona needs to find Zara the perfect man, so she she known what love feels like.
Gage is a retired Navy Seal and his mother wants her son to be happy and find a nice woman, so she asks Mona dating agency to help find her son the perfect girl. And that is how Zara falls into Gage lap.
I am volunteering to leave a review for a ARC of this book.
6,624 reviews28 followers
July 11, 2020
Once again we are in the world of the Zaftig Dating Service an dating site where the client doesn't even know they are been matched they are put forward by a friend or family member usually because they either don't have the time or know what they want. This is Gage and Zara's story

He is a retired Navy SEal and just wants a quite life he is now working ion the aviation industry She is a writer and also happens to be Mona Zaftig's niece. When Zara has an accident while working as a waitress she ends up ion the knee of the hottest man she has ever seen. Gage is instantly smitten with the armful he is holding can they have a future together as he falls instantly in love and will Mona get her way and have Zara working for her You will have to read to see
Profile Image for Lauren.
6,131 reviews57 followers
September 28, 2020
First things first; I like the cover of this book!
Learning the ropes is book twenty three in the zaftig dating agency series. This story is short, fast paced and an enjoyable read. I read this book in one sitting and was satisfied throughout. I found the writing style easy to follow, the characters likeable and the storyline enjoyable. Gage is intrigued when his mother drags his whole family out to a restaurant. What he doesn’t expect is to fall in love with the waitress.
The chemistry between Zara and Gage is clear to see and I thought they made a cute couple.
I liked the ending of this story. I really liked what Mona offered Zara.
The storyline for this book is easy to follow and it is an enjoyable read. I cannot wait for more books from this series.
Profile Image for Paige Reyes.
191 reviews2 followers
July 10, 2020
A Lovely Match + Some Side Story Too!

This story was fabulous just as the other dozens have been, the series is seriously one of my favorites, a great half-hour escape into the world of steamy and wonderful happily ever afters. I really particularly enjoy though when we get the chance to see more than just the match's story and get a peek "behind the curtain" as it were to the inner workings of the Zaftig Dating Agency. I don't think I will ever tire of this delicious series and I can only hope for more glances behind the curtain as we go along!

I received an advance copy of this book and am leaving my completely honest review.
908 reviews6 followers
July 13, 2020
Welcome to the next generation of the Zaftig Dating Agency! Mona Zaftig fills the role of fairy godmother to so many people without them even realizing her involvement. I adored the idea of her doing the same for her niece, Zara. Gage is the strong, silent type, but that's not stopping him from going after the cute waitress that served his nosy, crazy family dinner. Zara is sweet and kind and able to take things in stride, unless it's Gage and then she's a puddle of goo! I loved that Mona was looking to invite Zara into the behind the scenes matchmaking business. I have high hopes that future stories will feature matches made by Zara!
3,221 reviews4 followers
July 13, 2020
Zara is a wannabe novelist with writer's block, in need of a muse. She finds him when she spills wine in his lap at her day job as a waitress. Gage is a retired seal working in aviation now. He's a bit older, and his mother is in dire need of grandchildren. This book is especially sweet because Mona is setting up her niece, in hopes that Zara will come work for her and learn the matchmaking business. I love the matches that Mona makes, and Zara and Gage are no exception. They make a cute couple, with sparks flying between them. They both get what they want in the relationship, and her aunt and his mother are happy! I received an advance copy of this book, and this is my honest review.
860 reviews2 followers
February 21, 2021
Short and Sweet

Gage is a retired Navy Seal, now working for the aeronautic industry, and Zara is a server, a job that pays the bills while she works to to finish a book she has been writing for some years. They meet, because his family member has contacted Zara’s aunt’s matchmaking agency, Zaftig Dating Service Agency. It’s an insta-love, hot sexual chemistry, short, sweet book, like all the others in this series. There’s always a HEA, much to my delight. My only wish, that there would be a full-length book in the series. I can still hope while I continue to enjoy Jane Fox’s books that are well written and well edited.
1,729 reviews8 followers
July 10, 2020
Learning the Ropes has Mona matching her own niece Zara! Mona wants to have Zara come aboard and work with her at the dating agency but how can Zara help match folks if she is unmatched herself! Answer - find Zara a waitress and struggling author the perfect match and Mona has in former SEAL and now project manager in the Aviation industry Gage Henderson. Gage and Zara are “thrown together” when Gage’s family goes out to dinner at the restaurant where Zara works. Sparks fly and another match is made! Can’t wait to see some of Zara’s matches!
Profile Image for Terri Zumbrook.
2,800 reviews22 followers
July 12, 2020
Gage is true to his Navy SEAL background and wastes no time making his moves on Zara in LEARNING THE ROPES. Motivated by his experiences, he isn’t one to let an opportunity go by because no one knows when they may get another chance at happiness.

I like how Gage was all protective from the start. Zara was smitten with him, and like all of Mona Zaftig’s matches, they fall in love the night they meet. Zara now knows what it’s like to fall in love so her Aunt Mona invites her to work with the Zaftig Dating Agency.
647 reviews5 followers
July 12, 2020
In this installment of the Zaftig Dating Agency, our matchmaker, Mona, is setting up er niece, Zara, and former Navy SEAL, Gage. She believes that Zara will better understand the family business if she has been successfully matched. As always, Ms. Fox has captured love at first sight, and makes it seem almost possible. This was a great short read and I cannot wait for the next.

I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions herein are my own.
Profile Image for A-reader.
1,598 reviews52 followers
July 13, 2020
3/5 stars
Gage is an ex-navy seal who now works for a private company, his mom wants him to settle down. She hires Mona, who sets him up with her niece, Zara. She is an aspiring author who works as a waitress. Mona wants to groom Zara to work with her as a matchmaker.
The two meet at the restaurant Zara works at. Zara Tripp’s and falls on Gage, and that starts their relationship. It’s fast and ends with an engagement and a job offer from Mona.
Didn’t feel the connection between Gage and Zara.
Profile Image for Joyce Black.
1,053 reviews7 followers
July 24, 2020
Ever Entertaining - 4 Stars

Another well written short story on the part of Ms. Fox. The premise for this series has always unfolded in a certain way, however, in this tale the ending takes a tiny twist. This ending makes me ponder where Ms. Fox may travel with her series. I look forward to more Zaftig short stories, as I find them ever entertaining. Good Stuff!

I voluntarily received an advance review copy of this short story from the author and I am leaving an honest and unbiased review. I have no affiliation to this author.
Profile Image for adina willis.
2,032 reviews12 followers
July 11, 2020
This is one of Mona's most important set-ups because it involves her niece, Zara. Gage's mom contacts Mona about her son Gage. Mona sets Gage up with her niece, Zara. Gage knows his mom is up to something because she got everyone for dinner at a seafood restaurant where Zara works. Instant chemistry between the two characters. Gage saves Zara. This is a short read. I voluntarily received an ARC of this book and this is my opinion.
9,377 reviews140 followers
July 12, 2020
Another win for the Zaftig Dating Agency! This Mona's niece,Zara meeting retires Navy SEAL , Gage. It's instant attraction with sparks flying when she literally falls in his lap. It's well written with strong characters and an entertaining and steamy romance. I love these short stories and look forward to more.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
6,577 reviews35 followers
July 11, 2020
This amazing addition to the Zaftig Dating Agency series is a solid fun read and very personal to the matchmaker Mona! The storyline is well-developed witty, funny, engaging, steamy, and moves at a brisk pace. The chemistry between the characters is instant and off the charts! I loved watching their story unfold. Definitely recommended. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy.
Profile Image for BobaFett114.
1,961 reviews3 followers
July 11, 2020
Wonderful series!

Mona wants to help her niece get matched and Gage's mom wants him to meet his. They meet at her job, where she literally falls in his lap. I love this series. Each person is matched and they fall instantly in love. Each book has brought a smile to my face. Oh, you can read these in any order too!
1,708 reviews9 followers
July 11, 2020
Learning the Ropes by Jane Fox. This is Book#23 in The Zaftig Dating Agency series and features Gage and Zara as the main couple. With this short, fun, fast paced love story- things start to get personal at the Zaftig Dating Agency as Mona invites her niece to join the service and at the same time sets her up. Enjoyable story with mild drama, heat and insta attraction at its finest.
Profile Image for Rose.
2,726 reviews26 followers
July 13, 2020
I love this short story. It was entertaining and enjoyable. The characters were interesting and relatable. Mona the matchmaker strikes again! The sneakiness is amazing. Zara and Gage were awesome together. Gage was protective and possessive which was sweet. Zara was sweet and kind. I love their happy ever after. I recommend reading this book.
1,046 reviews1 follower
March 10, 2022
Great book

Sara has always wanted to be a writer but she could never finish her chapters of the book
She meet Gage at the restaurant she worked at she fell into his lap and the rest was history they went on a date fell in love and got their happy ever after she got the job of her dream from her aunt
366 reviews1 follower
July 9, 2020
Gage goes to a family dinner and finds his potential future, assuming he can convince Zara to go on a date with him. My favourite character in this novel is Gage’s mother - I can picture her so vividly.

I received an ARC of this novel and am leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for QuinnReads.
3,826 reviews221 followers
July 10, 2020
As Mona sets about establishing her legacy, she makes a personal match - her niece. Zara and Gage have instant chemistry. As they enjoy their first date, things go from sweet to heat in no time. ❤❤ It's a cute story with a reveal. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon).
16.4k reviews220 followers
July 11, 2020
Action packed, sexy, fun, engaging and emotional adventure filled with danger, suspense and undeniable passion... an edge of your seat read from beginning to end and so hard to put down. Really enjoyed the charters I got to know on this journey.
Profile Image for Kim Wijnja.
1,354 reviews5 followers
July 11, 2020
I will continue to enjoy this series, with short but wonderful insta love stories. characters have wonderful chemistry and meet in fun spontaneous ways, with a little hidden help. from me 5 stars
I voluntarily read and write reviews using the author's arc
Profile Image for Trixie.
5,305 reviews
July 11, 2020
Zara did learn the ropes by being matched to her own happily ever. I wonder what’s next in the book. I am sure it’s going to. E fabulous as the rest of the series.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book
2,978 reviews10 followers
August 30, 2020
Set-up

Gage and Zara feel the chemistry between them when she approaches his table as the waitress. What neither expected was the fire that started when they touched. It won't be extinguished.
Profile Image for Kathy Mccalmon.
3,721 reviews29 followers
July 8, 2020
This is a short dating agency series. It is gage and zaras story. An instant love romance that is sweet and very enjoyable. I voluntarily reviewed this ARC.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews